Illinois Capital Development Board Announces $8.9 Million in Funding to Northern Illinois University Towards Structural Repairs, Exterior Improvements, and Roof Replacement

Press Release

The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced $8.9 million has been released from the state towards structural repairs, exterior improvements, and roof replacement at Northern Illinois University. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Northern Illinois University campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker's bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project's renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.

"It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With funding from my Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Northern Illinois University will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work and complete the roof, structural repairs, and exterior building, further cementing its place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow."

"I am thankful for the State of Illinois' initiative to address the overdue maintenance of universities and colleges," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential for upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state, and it's a privilege to have an investment of this magnitude."

"This critical funding will allow us to begin to address important capital needs that will greatly help us maintain a positive learning environment. We're appreciative of Gov. Pritzker's strong commitment to investing in higher education and our state's potential," said Northern Illinois University President Lisa C. Freeman.

"Infrastructure funding to Northern Illinois University is important to the students and faculty who use Swen Parson Hall. Lack of adequate maintenance funding resulted in significant water damage to the building, making these repairs critical to preserving the longevity of the hall," said State Senator John Connor.

"I am very appreciative Illinois is making the necessary infrastructure investments that will help bolster our higher education institutions. The Swen Parson Hall and the Visual Arts building house critical services to the students at NIU, and these repairs will provide for a safer and more hospitable environment for students and faculty," said State Representative Lawrence Walsh, Jr.

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed in 2019 with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state aging facilities over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.

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